Rudy Cline-Thomas

Rudy Cline-Thomas, Founder and Managing Partner of the Good Counsel Agency, specializes in identifying technology, retail and sports media opportunities for Fortune 500 companies. Rudy also develops strategic branding platforms and provides long-term planning goals and career guidance for athletes.

Rudy spearheaded the launch of the inaugural The Players Technology Summit, presented by Bloomberg and held in August 2017. The Players Technology Summit brings together top leaders in the technology, venture capital and sports communities to exchange ideas and share expertise in an educational and empowering forum. In 2016 Rudy led the effort to hold the inaugural National Basketball Players Association Technology Summit, which provided current and former NBA players with content, workshops and networking with major media and technology companies.

Since co-founding the Good Counsel Agency in 2007, Rudy has focused the firm's efforts on investing in and advising early-stage e-commerce startups and more established growth companies. Under his leadership, Good Counsel Agency has invested in Uber Technologies, Chopt Creative Salad Company, Mendocino Farms, Stance, Walker & Company, Teespring and Twice, which was acquired by eBay in 2015. In addition, Rudy was instrumental in assembling the investment group that purchased the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011.

Rudy is also a co-founder of content production company The Freetown Project, which is dedicated to sharing evocative stories across TV, digital, feature film and other mediums about entertainers, athletes and working-class people who inspire others and help change perceptions. The Freetown Project's first project, "Evenings with Andre," is a late-night style talk show produced in conjunction with business news startup Cheddar featuring interviews with guests from business, technology and sports.

Previously Rudy was a member of the National Basketball Association's Consumer Products Group. He played a key role in managing the accounts of various NBA licensees, creating value for athletes and advising the league on new trends.

Rudy Cline-Thomas graduated from Providence College with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting. He resides in New York City.